Anyone Know Where to Get a SMART CARD Credit Card in the U.S.?
by Wendy Perrin
An excellent question has come in from longtime Perrin Post reader Joe_Kayaker. I wish I knew the answer off the top of my head. Does anyone?
"Where can I get a smart card credit card? I live in the U.S. but travel in Europe often. On my last few trips I've been taking trains between cities rather than flying. It's cheaper, just as fast for close city pairs, and much less of a hassle -- if you have a smart card. From Paris to Rotterdam, for instance, you can buy tickets on the Internet, reserve seats, pick your meal. When you get to the train station to pick up your ticket, if you have a smart card you can put it in a ticket machine, get your ticket in about 10 seconds, and you're on your way. No smart card? You must stand in line at the ticket counter with all the folks who are having problems, and everyone is cranky and takes a long time. From Rotterdam to Eindhoven, if you don't have a smart card, go find an ATM because they don't accept magnetic-stripe cards, even in the ticket office.
"I'm seeing more and more businesses in Europe taking only smart cards. At U.K. gas stations, for instance, magnetic-stripe charge cards are unwelcome. With an old-fashioned credit card you'll need to make two trips into the office: once to have the pump unlocked, and another to pay. Smart card holders swipe, pump, and go.
"Do you know of any U.S. banks that have smart cards? If not, can a U.S. resident get a card from a European bank?"
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Bank of America and American Express' Blue Card offer smart card chip credit cards. I haven't tried them yet to make sure they work but I intend to on my next trip. I've run into the exact same problem that Joe_Kayaker describes when buying train tickets and now the new bikes in Paris can't be rented unless you have a card with a chip.
Posted by: NeilJaeh | September 19, 2008 at 12:43 PM
My US bank issues a debit card that's a Mastercard. It also is my ATM card.
Will this be accepted by those requiring SMART cards? (I know my account will be debited rather than a credit charge, but just want to know if it will be accepted.)
Thanks
Posted by: suefowl | September 19, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Another confirmation that American Express cards (I have the Clear Blue) DO indeed work in Paris and you do not have to enter in a code. I bought my RATP passes in the machine and used my card in Monoprix with no problems or delays. As an added side note, I was once robbed in Paris and American Express was the only card issuer who was able to reissue my card with 24 hours of the theft. Bon Voyage.
Posted by: silkstar | September 19, 2008 at 06:46 PM
///If not, can a U.S. resident get a card from a European bank?///
I'd always heard that it was illegal for Americans to open bank accounts in other countries, but after researching it, I think you can open accounts in other countries, but you have to make sure you report it to the treasury department if it's over a certain amount and to the IRS of course if you made any interest off of it. I'd consult a tax attorney first to make sure though. I also think you have to be physically there to open an account.
So it seems in theory that you can, I wonder if anyone has any experience with that? It would be interesting to know.
At any rate, I have an American Express Blue card, and it has one of those chips in it. I tried using it once at a local pharmacy, and it wouldn't take it. Don't know whether it was their machine or my card.
Posted by: tracker1312 | September 20, 2008 at 11:47 PM
You can open an account in Switzerland with your passport, but you must be physically present to do it. It is very difficult to open an account in France unless you have a job there or legal residency. As stated in the previous pot, you must report on your taxes that you have a foreign bank account (they do bank cross-checks like w-2's and 1099's).
Posted by: silkstar | September 23, 2008 at 02:40 PM
My Citibank account issues a card with a smart chip. You just have to request it, but no extra charge. They also have branches all over Europe if you ever need help.
Posted by: galavanting | September 26, 2008 at 02:34 PM
I just activated my brand spankin' new american express blue card - complete with smartcard contacts on the front. Silkstar, thanks for confirming that this will work on the French trains.
Suefowl - no, your debit card will not work where smartcards are required.
Good to know that Citibank offers smartcards, too. But you can't tell from their website.
Posted by: joe_kayaker | September 26, 2008 at 03:38 PM